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Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Cascade Maxi Dress by Chalk and Notch

One of my absolute favorite designers has launched a new pattern, and you know I had to get my greedy hands on it. Have you seen it? It's the fabulous Cascade Maxi dress! You also have a chance to win this pattern (scroll to the end of the post.) **Giveaway now closed**

I swear, in my eyes, Gabriela of Chalk and Notch can do no wrong. Her patterns are professional grade and the instructions are clear and precise. First, take a look at her Fishtail Kimono here. I love it so much I think I made about 5 of them. And then there is the Top Knot pattern. It should be obvious that I love that one, too. (Here, here, here, and here). And now there is the fabulous Cascade Maxi.

Let me give you all the relevant information, taken directly from the Chalk and Notch website:

Size Range: 2 to 12 years

Sewing Level: ADVANCED BEGINNER

Pattern Views

View A: Maxi DressView B: Maxi Dress with Contrast Hem Band* Both Views have the same finished length.Pattern Details: The Cascade Maxi Dress pattern includes illustrated sewing instructions, clickable table of contents and measurements listed in both imperial and metric. The pattern offers layered size options so you can choose only the size/sizes you would like to print. It is formatted for US letter and A4 users. The pattern is standard trim and tape pattern.

Sizing: The tutorial includes help on blending sizes and custom adjustments.

I made the straight size 3 for my younger daughter using a lovely lawn from Cotton and Steel that I bought from Miss Matatabi a while ago, knowing that it would be "too short" according to the pattern's measurements. However, I wanted it that way because I knew that she would be wearing it for her everyday, rough-and-tumble activities. Like scootering, which she insisted on doing for some of the photos. (Don't worry; no children or scooters were harmed during this photo shoot.)

For my older daughter, I went with the straight size 5, even though usually I blend using a size 4 with 5 length, but I was too lazy hoping it would work out by adjusting the elastic in the back. I think it worked out okay.

I used a lightweight cotton/silk blend that I bought locally. They both love how much it twirls. In fact, I was getting a leeeetle jealous seeing my daughters with their beautiful dresses and thought "Hm, I wonder if I could fit into the largest size...?"

So I brought out my precious fabric from Miss Matatabi that I'd been saving for a Top Knot (for myself, ha!) and ended up using it for the Cascade Maxi instead. (It's no longer available, but she has other options in her shop.) I made a few adjustments to the size 12 (lowered the armscye and lengthened the straps and front facing - not that I need much coverage in the front, sob) and voila!

I don't think I am the best body type to show off the beauty of this dress, unfortunately. As I was lamenting to my dear friend Thao, my shoulders are on the broad side, and thanks to my mother I have always had biceps that can bulk up very quickly. When I am working out regularly, that is. Ahem.

I used a ribbon for the straps rather than fabric because this cotton/rayon blend was pretty lightweight and I was worried about it stretching out (as you can see that it has done in the front, but never mind because I kind of like it!). I made View B (without the contrast hem) because I thought it would be more practical for my lifestyle. And I only had about 3m of fabric.I had originally planned to do a photoshoot with all three of us wearing our dresses since my husband had the day off. But then it rained the entire time, plus it was pretty cold. On top of that, my husband had temporary memory loss when it came to using the autofocus on our camera, hence all of the pictures ended up blurry, haha. So this is what you get:

Would have been nice, right? Cascading water for the Cascade Maxi Dress? Haha, I'm so literal!

If I haven't convinced you to get this lovely pattern, maybe some of the tester photos will. Every single one is absolutely beautiful!

You can get the Cascade Maxi on sale (normally USD10) for 25% off during the release week - until Sunday, September 25. You can buy it at the Chalk and Notch shop here, or on Etsy here, or through UpCraft Club here. Be sure to leave a comment saying what view you plan to make for a chance to win this pattern! The giveaway is open until Saturday, September 24. **Giveaway is now CLOSED. Thank you for participating! **

You are officially amazing. I love that you made one for yourself! I have a feeling this would quickly become a favorite for my six-year-old, so after making view b I'm sure I would be on to view a in no time.

You have no idea how jealous I am that you can use the size 12 for you! All of your versions are just gorgeous as always! I can't wait to make this pattern but it probably wont be until next summer since It's already gotten so cold here!

Stop it. I thought maybe maybe I can wear the largest size but probably not seeing I am bigger than you. Oh my gosh you look gorgeous!!! I need this pattern for my maxi dress loving girl :) I want to use lace for the contrast hem!

Oh Ashley, I'm sure you can wear it! You are petite. And slim. Plus I used the View B without the contrast hem. Maybe if you went for the View A you wouldn't have to lengthen it much? I think lace will be GORGEOUS!!

Oh I love it so much, all of this dresses you made! And the idea that I can make one for myself is the best idea ever and therefore I really really want this pattern. I will make one for my little girl and one for myself, for sure!

All the dresses are beautiful! I love the one you made to yourself (and the shoes too!). I also have broad shoulders thanks to many years of sports but actually I think this style looks great on your body type!

Thank you, Maria! I love my shoes too, though I hardly have occasion to wear them these days, haha. And thank you for your kind words. Don't worry; I'm not letting my hang-ups prevent me from wearing this dress!

Literal and funny and gorgeous :) Love all the dresses Emi. I am so jealous you can sew one for yourself and I cannot hahaha it looks sooo comfy! The fabric is divine. I think this dress will look nice in shorter length as well. I just can't see Miss R run around in a maxi dress.

Thank you, Jenya. There is no need to be jealous -- I wish I had your height!! And yes, this dress is really cute in a shorter length as well. I'm sure you will see in Gabriela's "inspirations" post on her site. :)

Thank you, Mie! And please thank your daughter, too! The fabric was my daughter's choice (of course, being so headstrong she would not have it any other way), so she will be pleased to know that someone else loves it as well. ;)

I can't wait to make Willow one of these when she's a bit older. I absolutely love the fabric you've used for all three of these and only wish I could fit in the biggest size. The cascade photo idea would have been lovely, maybe you'll have to go another day to get photos of you with the girls :)

Thank you, Coco! I think you can't go wrong with either of the Views! And yes, I looooooove the fabric I used for my dress. So soft! But you should definitely let it hang for a day or so to make sure the hem is even ;)